Perceived Paternal Rejection, Psychological Manipulation, And Mental Health Problems in Married Men

Abstract

The present study aimed to find out the relationship of psychological manipulation as a mediator between perceived paternal rejection and mental health problems among married men. The sample was consisted of 153 married men aged between 25-40 years (M = 32.29, SD = 4.38). The study was formulated on cross sectional research design. The measures used in the study were My Memories of Up-Bringing - Adult Version (EMBU-A) (Gerlsma et al., 1991), Victim of Psychological Manipulation Scale (VPMS) (Khalid & Karamat, 2023), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) (Lovibond, 1995). Correlation and mediation analysis were done to explore the results. According to the results perceived parenting (father’s rejection), and psychological manipulation were positively correlated with mental health problems. Results also showed the mediating role of the psychological manipulation between perceived parenting (father’s rejection) and mental health problems. The findings of the study can play significant role in the mental health interventions targeted at married men, emphasizing the need for programs that focus on positive parenting, conflict resolution, and emotional well-being.

Keywords: perceived parenting, psychological manipulation, mental health problems, married men.